The gradual deterioration of hearing in both ears is referred to as age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis). It is a common problem brought on by aging. Hearing loss impacts one in three individuals over 65. Some people are first unaware of the change in hearing because of the gradual changes. It often impairs hearing loud noises like a phone ringing or a microwave buzzing. In most cases, hearing low-pitched noises is unchanged. Contact a Greater New Orleans vertigo clinic if you or your older loved ones suffer from ear loss.
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Hearing health in seniors: The role of hearing aids in aging
The medical professional will use a lighted scope called an otoscope to examine the ear drum and the outer ear canal. He or she will look for eardrum injury, ear canal blockage from debris or impacted ear wax, itchiness, or infection.
The person may be referred to an audiologist or a hearing specialist for an audiogram. An audiogram is a test where sounds are sent to each ear independently via headphones. If the person can pick up on each sound, they will be asked to answer. One may have some degree of hearing loss if they are incapable of hearing particular tones.
Hearing aids’ Benefits.
A hearing aid is a battery-operated electronic device designed to help you hear properly. They can make some sounds louder and are sufficiently small to wear behind or in your ear. They might allow you to hear more clearly in peaceful and loud environments. Here is how they operate:
- Sound around you gets picked up by a microphone.
- The sound is amplified to boost its volume.
- These improved sounds are sent into your ear by a receiver.
Hearing aids are not suitable for everyone with hearing loss. But one in five individuals who could be far better wears them. Most of the time, they are for patients whose inner ears or the nerve linking the ear to the brain have been destroyed.
Typically, an audiologist will carry out a hearing test as your initial visit. You will visit an ENT if there is an asymmetric loss of hearing or any other concerning symptoms. ENT can also be a place to start, although that is rare.
If you require one, these experts can provide you with one. Avoid buying hearing aids through the mail. They frequently do not fit well and do not sufficiently enhance your hearing. Wearing two hearing aids is usually preferable if you have difficulty hearing in both ears.
